Concrete microprocessor control device

ABSTRACT

Concrete products, and products similar to concrete to create manmade stone-like structures, are formed with embedded paths, i.e. embedded signal pipes, for light and/or electrical current, to create microprocessor control surfaces for remotely located microprocessors. The light and/or electrical current travels through the signal pipes to activate, run or otherwise control or communicate through the microprocessor for the operation of one or more appliances.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/669671, filed on Apr. 8, 2006 by the sameinventor herein and entitled “CONCRETE MICROPROCESSOR CONTROL SURFACES(Control Stone)”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to concrete products, and products similarto concrete to create manmade stone-like structures, that are formedwith embedded paths, i.e. embedded signal pipes, for light and/orelectrical current to move through the structure to create durable,interactive control surfaces for remotely located electronic devices toprovide for the operation of one or more appliances.

The term “pipe” as used herein means one or more light conducting and/orelectrical conducting elongated structures that may have anycross-sectional shape, and may be alone, coupled, bundled, formed inwhole or portions as a sheet, fused or otherwise packaged, connected orinterconnected, sheathed or unsheathed, twisted, braided or coaxial,having or not having properties of total internal reflection (inreference to optical pipe). Pipe may be rigidly formed to apredetermined shape for embedding, or may be formed as semi-flexible orflexible and shaped in situ prior to embedding.

The term “appliances” as used herein shall mean any functional devicethat conventionally has controls for operation or content delivery.Hence, herein, “appliance” includes household appliances, such asstoves, clocks, timers, microwaves, ovens, toasters, dishwashers,washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, faucets, faucet temperatures,heating devices, air conditioning devices, humidifiers and vents, aswell as other devices, such as communications devices, entertainmentdevices, business equipment and security devices, as well as systemsrelating to any one or more of the foregoing. Included, for example, aretelephone systems, intercoms, transmitters and/or receivers and/ortransponders, internet access systems, radios and televisions, stereosystems, home entertainment systems, wireless systems, computers, faxes,copiers, printers, modems, integrated business devices, such ascombinations of the foregoing, as well as home and business locks,security cameras, employee security systems, user entry and/or accesssystems, identification systems, such as voice, finger print, palm, facetopography, retina or other identification system, etc. Other types ofappliances include vehicles, scientific instruments, medicalinstruments, medical devices, weapons, power equipment, pumps, poolsystems, lighting systems, environmental devices and systems, tolldevices, entrances, windows, screen and blind systems, plumbingcontrols, outdoor controls, such as sprinkler controls, traffic controlsystems, etc.

2. Information Disclosure Statement

The following patents are representative of prior art of interest to thepresent invention technology:

United States Pending Patent Application No. 2005/0052882 describes anarticle of manufacture for detecting motion that includes a substratewith a plurality of volumes of material where each volume is capable oftransmitting light form one location on a first surface of a substrateto another location on the first surface. United States Pending PatentApplication No. 2005/0183372 to Losonczi describes a building block withembedded light transmissive fibers for passive transmission of light,e.g., sunlight, through the block. United States Pending PatentApplication No. 2003/0229404 to Howard Mark et al describes aman-machine interface for a domestic appliance in which remotely sensedbuttons, slide bars marker pucks and knobs are formed on a printedcircuit board behind a sealed surface.

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taughtnor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a concrete based, electronics control interfacedevice, or microprocessor control device. It involves concrete products,and products similar to concrete to create manmade stone-likestructures, that are formed with embedded signal pipes, for light and/orelectrical current, to move through the structure, and form humancontrol surfaces and or content presentation surfaces, for the operationand monitoring of one of more appliances by proxy, via remote electronicdevices, termed controllers, connected to a (usually hidden) secondsurface(s) of the concrete structure. The controllers are a signalsource for the embedded signal pipes and include logic means andinput/output means and power means.

The present invention concrete microprocessor control device includes

-   -   a) a preshaped item of concrete having a plurality of surfaces        in different planes;    -   b) at least one embedded signal pipe being embedded in the        preshaped item of concrete and having a first terminus located        proximate a first surface of the plurality of surfaces and        having a second terminus located away from the first terminus        and adjacent a second surface of the plurality of surfaces, the        at least one embedded signal pipe being selected from the group        consisting of touch sensitive functional optical pipe, touch        sensitive functional electrical pipe and combinations thereof;        and    -   c) at least one coupling port connected to the second terminus        of at least one of the at least one embedded signal pipe, the        coupling port adapted to connect to a microprocessor controller        having touch sensitive detection and processing means and having        signal interfacing means for operating at least one appliance.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the signal pipefirst terminus is in the same plane as and flush with the first surface.In some other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the firstterminus is located proximate to and below the first surface. In some ofthese cases, it is in a recess, while in others, it may be recessed witha bevel or a surface contour, as desired. In some other preferredembodiments of the present invention, the first terminus is locatedproximate to and above the first surface. In some of these cases, it mayprotrude without encasement or embellishment, while in others, it may beenshrouded, or flanged or the concrete structure may include a surfacecontour. The term “proximate”, as used herein means within sixcentimeters of the concrete surface, and preferably within two or lesscentimeters of the concrete surface. In some cases, the pipe terminusmay protrude or recess just enough to appear as a button, e.g. about onecentimeter or so from the surface. There may optionally be concretemolded, cast, etched or machined features, or add on frames, outlines,instructions or other features at the surface where the first terminusis located.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, at least oneembedded signal pipe is an optical pipe selected from the groupconsisting of an optical fiber, a glass, a transparent cement, atransparent ceramic, a plastic, a transparent metal, a fiber optic imageguide, a fiber optic faceplate, a hollow light guide, a natural gemstoneand a manmade gemstone. Plural pipes may be included and they may be inmultiples in parallel or in series or both, and may include anycombination of the foregoing.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, at least oneembedded signal pipe is an electrical pipe selected from the groupconsisting of a wire, a coated wire, a shielded wire, the shielded wirehaving either active or passive shielding, a jacketed group of wires,and plates or sheets of conductive or semiconductive material, or ofnon-conductive material coated with a conductive or semiconductive layeror layers. Plural pipes may be included and they may be in multiples inparallel or in series or both, and may include any combination of theforegoing.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, there are aplurality of embedded signal pipes wherein the first termini of theplurality of embedded signal pipes are arranged in an intelligentpattern. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, thefirst termini are arranged in a predetermined pattern to provide fordisplay at least one linear pattern illustration of a use level. In somepreferred embodiments of the present invention, the first termini arearranged in a matrix to provide for display character representations ofalpha or numeric characters.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the deviceincludes an embedded template and the second termini are positionedwithin the template to fix their positions. In some preferredembodiments of the present invention, the aforesaid template includes aplurality of template collars adapted to receive and hold the secondtermini. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, thetemplate collars are prefilled with plug components to create the atleast one coupling port. The embedded template includes physicalconnection means for removably or permanently connecting and attaching amicroprocessor thereto.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the devicefurther provides at least one video display image conduit created from asingle or plurality of the signal pipes embedded in a surface of theconcrete.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, at least oneembedded signal pipe second terminus is functionally connected to anLED. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is aplurality of embedded signal pipes with their second terminifunctionally connected to LEDs.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the firsttermini of the plurality of embedded signal pipes is arranged in anintelligent pattern.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, at least oneembedded signal pipe is adapted to at least present a signal from themicroprocessor or adapted to send a signal to the microprocessor.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, at least oneembedded signal pipe is connected to at least one embedded functionalcomponent located between a first terminus and a second terminus, thefunctional component being at least partially embedded in the concreteand being selected from the group consisting of an electrical component,an electronic component, an optical component, a junction and a light.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the devicefurther includes at least one functional component that is connected toat least one embedded signal pipe, the functional component beingselected from the group consisting of an electrical component, anelectronic component, an optical component, a junction and a light.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the devicefurther includes at least one microprocessor filly embedded in theconcrete and connected to at least one embedded signal pipe.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the devicefurther includes at least one microprocessor partially embedded in theconcrete and connected to at least one embedded signal pipe. In some ofthese preferred embodiments of the present invention, the device furtherincludes at least one microprocessor partially embedded in the concreteand connected to the at least one coupling port.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the devicefurther includes at least one microprocessor connected to at least onecoupling port.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, at least one ofthe at least one embedded signal pipe is directly or indirectlyconnected to an appliance. Thus, it might be directly connected to anappliance that includes the microprocessor or it might be connected toone or more appliances through a separate microprocessor controller. Insome preferred embodiments of the present invention, the appliance isselected from the group consisting of a timer, a clock, a stove, an ovenand a microwave appliance. In some preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, the appliance is selected from the group consisting of aradio, a television, a computer and a telecommunications device.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a first terminusis adapted to illuminate and presents light from a remote electric orelectronic light source connected directly or indirectly thereto.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, at least oneembedded signal pipe is connected to a speaker.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, there are atleast two embedded signal pipes and at least of one the at least twoembedded signal pipes is connected for and adapted to send a signal to acontroller and at least one other of the at least two embedded and atleast one other of the at least two embedded signal pipes is connectedfor and adapted to receive and present a signal initiated by amicroprocessor.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the signalinitiated by a microprocessor is selected from the group consisting oflight, sound, heat, and electrical.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, at least onesignal pipe is adapted to carry a power source.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the devicefurther includes a touch controller, a system controller, an opticalcontroller and at least one external appliance; and at least oneembedded signal pipe sending a signal to a controller is connected tothe touch controller and the at least one embedded signal pipe receivinga signal from a controller is connected to the optical controller, andthe touch controller and the optical controller are connected to thesystem controller, and the system controller is connected to the atleast one external appliance.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the externalappliance is selected from the group consisting of a householdappliance, an entertainment appliance, a communications appliance and acomputer.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the concrete isselected from the group consisting of standard concrete,polymer-enhanced concrete, engineered stone and composite stone. In somepreferred embodiments of the present invention, the concrete ispreshaped into a shape having at least one flat surface and at least onethe first terminus is located on the at least one flat surface. In somepreferred embodiments of the present invention, the concrete shape isselected from the group consisting of at least a portion of an appliancebody, a countertop, a wall panel, a wall-hanging unit and a portabledevice.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, at least oneembedded signal pipe is a touch sensitive electrical pipe that isadapted to transmit electrical signals selected from the groupconsisting of touch circuit portions, data streams, power sources andpower grounds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention should be more fully understood when thespecification herein is taken in conjunction with the drawings appendedhereto wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side cut diagrammatic view of one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the present inventionsimple matrix arrangement for a control interface (top concrete surfacewith a plurality of first termini of signal pipes.

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of the presentinvention concrete object with embedded interface elements and signalport.

FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 4 c illustrate cut oblique, side cut and obliquefinished views of one embodiment of the present invention cast interfacedevice.

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b and 5 c illustrate various views of one embodiment of thepresent invention depicting the components and assembly relations of asignal port in a present invention device.

FIGS. 6 a, 6 b, 6 c and 6 d illustrate components and their connectiverelationships of an alternative embodiment of a present invention signalport, showing a two component circular port plate and collar.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrate example control modules for embeddedsurfaces of present invention devices.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side cut view of one embodiment of the presentinvention device controller, controller garage and signal ports.

FIGS. 9 a, 9 b and 9 c illustrate components for an embodiment of apresent invention guide for an alpha-numeric display.

FIG. 10 shows a dynamic embedded icons and touch input of a presentinvention device.

FIG. 11 shows a one embodiment of the present invention as a concretebody with a control surface located signal coupling port for thin films.

FIG. 12 a and 12 b illustrate one embodiment of the present invention asa concrete body with a control surface located signal coupling port forthin control and media devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention entails a concrete object, formed with embeddedsignal carrying elements, i.e. signal pipes, which produces aman-machine interface along one of its surfaces, when signal providingcontrol packs (microprocessor controllers) are attached to a secondsurface.

System Overview

A concrete body (“concrete” is defined above) is cast with embeddedelectrical and/or optical signal carriers, also referred to herein assignal pipes, such as fiber optics and wires, forming paths. Theembedded signal paths created by the embedded signal pipes lie in aprecise arrangement and routing, being terminated at first ends (firsttermini) upon reaching the first surface, or nearly upon reaching it orextending slightly beyond it. Second ends (second termini) terminateupon a second surface or nearly upon reaching it or extending slightlybeyond it. The first ends are positioned and terminated so as to providea flat, or substantially flat, hard, man-machine interface upon thefirst surface. The second ends are positioned and terminated at thesecond surface, so as to permit an external signal source device to forma signal connection to the embedded signal paths. The cast objectrepresents the passive portion of an interface system that is activatedby external devices, i.e. control devices referred to herein asmicroprocessor controllers, when attached to the second surface(s).These external devices can then in turn be connected to one or moreappliances, or be within an appliance, and the first termini of thesignal pipes respond to touch when activated to ultimately control theappliances. The term “appliances” is defined above. The term“microprocessor” includes any computing device having at least input andoutput means.

Because the external device can be connected or easily disconnected andreplaced, the life of the interface is limited only be the durability ofthe cast portions. The interface surface can be ground and polished andexposed to water.

The invention provides a means of constructing a wide variety ofextremely durable interfaces, which can be applied to the control ofmany devices such as domestic and commercial devices, public terminals,outdoor and wet location devices, security systems, and industrialcontrol systems.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side cut diagrammatic view of one embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 1, thus, depicts a high level view of theessential elements of the invention. A concrete object (50) is viewedfrom the side and cut to reveal embedded elements (60,70). Light pipes(60) and electrical pathways (70) are embedded within the solid concreteform (50 b). First end points, also called first termini (60 a,70 a),terminate upon reaching exterior surface (50 a), being generallycoplanar or flush to it. Second end points, i.e., second termini (60 b,70 b), are seen to terminate upon reaching signal port (80), which canalso be seen to occur at the boundary of the concrete. Assemblyconnector (95) depicts an external connector assembly matched to signalport (80), wherein the input/output signals of the controller(s) arelinked to the embedded signal paths when connection is made.

The logical elements of the external control system are also shown. Thebox “OPTICAL CONTROLLER” (92) maintains an optical signal path (64) toconnector assembly connector (95). The box “TOUCH CONTROLLER” (91) alsomaintains an electrical signal path(s) to assembly connector (95). Adata stream is maintained between the “TOUCH CONTROLLER” (91) and the“SYSTEM CONTROLLER” (93); between the “SYSTEM CONTROLLER” (93) and the“OPTICAL CONTROLLER” (92); and between the “SYSTEM CONTROLLER” (93) andan “EXTERNAL DEVICE” (4). The function of the optical controller is toprovide a computer-controlled source of light(s), for embedded optics.The touch controller provides touch detection and processing circuitry.The system controller acts to manage system operations. The externaldevice is an interface to an end device that is typically the ultimatecontrol object of the embedded man-machine interface. The designationsare abstractions of functional parts; in practice, the elements maycomprise a single device or be distributed across devices. The signaldevices or controllers are self-contained enclosures that are fashionedto “hook up” to a signal port. In the process, the light outputs of thedevice are optically aligned with embedded optical paths and the I/Ocircuit points of the device establish electrical connection to theembedded electrical paths.

In FIG. 1, connector (95) is a signal coupling interface, such as anoptoelectrical connector, and an element of an external control device.The signal port is a region of the concrete surface (usually hidden inthe back, side, underside or as an underside well) configured to be themate of such a connector. Therefore, the non-permanent coupling ofconnector (95) and signal port (80) forms an interface between theconcrete object and the external system (the controllers and theexternal device (appliance)).

The embedded light pipe first end points, terminating upon the interfacesurface, are arranged in various patterns and according to the preciselayout of the design. Each optical end point on the surface is the endof a continuous directed path of light, originating at the attachedexternal controller. The light sources are under microprocessor control.The correlation of light sources to second end points at the signalport, and further to first end point locations on the interface surface,is known, noted during the design process.

Therefore, familiar output controls can be fashioned by controlling thelayout of the exposed, concrete flush, optical ends. The simplest ofthese is a single point, used to communicate a device state parameter,by virtue of being on or off or patterns thereof, or of a particularcolor or color sequence. End points can also be arranged to function asbar graph/level displays and alphanumeric character displays. Forexample, horizontal or vertical rows of points can be used to indicatesuch things as power levels, or any level, by selectively illuminatingcertain points. Or short rows of points can be used to fashion thecharacter segments as seen on calculators. The controller, using datadriven logic, chooses which segment sets to illuminate, in order todepict a character or number.

In addition to fiber optics, other rigid, light transmissive materialsmay be embedded so as to expose one face as flush or substantially flushto the concrete surface. At an interior location, these may be coupledto embedded light pipes, following a path originating at a signal port,or they may span the thickness, in order to form a coupling region toaligned light sources on an underside mounted controller. Fiber opticimage guides and faceplates may also be embedded and couple to videosources.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the present inventionsimple matrix arrangement for a control interface (top concrete surfacewith a plurality of first termini of signal pipes). Thus, FIG. 2 depictsa simplified concrete interface as seen from the surface (the user'spoint of view). The concrete surface (50 a) is a section of a largersurrounding surface area.

First end points (60 a.1) are seen as flush to surface (50 a) and arearranged in four rows, in order to provide an equalizer type display, inoperation. A single point (60 a.2) in the upper right hand corner is astate light. Three circles (61) are solid light transmissive forms,embedded in the concrete, exposing a single face, flush along surface(50 a). Electrical first end points (70 a) terminate likewise uponconcrete surface (50 a), being also encased by surrounding solid (61).End points (70 a) are the termination of the embedded electrical paths.The encased portion may any conductive material such as metal orpreferably a clear conductive material. Two electrical end points arelocated within each circle, and, in operation, a human finger touchingthe circle, will close the circuit gap between the points and thus senda signal.

FIG. 2 depicts a first method of detecting touch: A pair of electricalend points is exposed at the surface. The corresponding embedded wirepair is terminated near the signal port, by physical connection to anembedded connection assembly half, such as a female connector, or thelike. The connector half is embedded within the concrete, exposing asingle face, along an embedded faceplate, so that the controller canmake connection by providing the other half of the assembly (e.g. themale connector), inserting at that point. Internally, the controller isdesigned according to well-known principles to detect and act when anobject, such as a human finger, spans the gap, closing the open circuit.

The signal port provides a signal coupling region that bridgesinput/output signals provided by the signal device with individualsignal carriers embedded in the concrete.

FIG. 3, depicts the interface panel of FIG. 2, in the context of alarger concrete object, which includes a signal port, seen as a matrixlike organization of second optical ends (60 b) and female jackassemblies (81 a) (which are in electrical connection with the secondelectrical ends of first electrical ends (70 a), hidden in theinterior). And secured in place by embedded guide plate (81). Guideplate (81) comprises metal or plastic threaded wells that are a securingmeans for the external controller. The entire signal port assembly ofcomprises the face of a protruding area (50 d). The controller designedto connect to the port may be a self contained attachable item,appropriately sized and dimensioned to fit, or an optoelectricalconnector and cable, connected to a source at the opposing end. Thesignal port area may protrude as shown, are be located in a recess, ormay be entirely flat to the surrounding surface.

Prior to pouring concrete into a mold or form, the elements to beembedded are placed within the form, directed and secured by means ofguiding assemblies.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b depict a side cut view of a mold or form, prior topouring concrete, and an oblique view of the finished product. Anassembly of plates (100) with holes is connected and supported by posts,creating a structure similar to floors in a building. The assemblies ofplates (100) are seen resting on the form bottom (110 c). Embedded lightpipes (60) and electrical pathways (70) are seen to pass through holesin guide assembly, being directed along the particular route. Junction(62) depicts the optical alignment of light transmissive solid form (61)and embedded light pipe (60), where the two end points are aligned inopposition, each component being secured by the assembled structure(100). Embedded electrical pathways (70), are partially encased withinoptically transmissive solid (61), first ends (70 a) terminating atbottom exterior surface of optically transmissive solid (61), the pairgenerally centered within the circular area.

A partial cutout of form bottom at (110 d), allows solid lightconductive form (61), to slightly extend below the surrounding plane ofthe form bottom. This will cause the form to protrude slightly above theinterface surface of the finished piece. Grinding or polishing willequalize the surfaces. Guide plate 81 fills a hole cut in the form side.The joint is then glued. Electrical paths (70) are terminated at back ofguide plate (81), forming electrical connection to female jackassemblies (81 a), which are secured within mounting holes on guideplate (81).

Example portable cast interface device (150) generally depicts apossible appearance of the finished object. A small concrete tablet hasfour illuminatable touch buttons, powered by a remote device connectedto hidden end of the shown cable assembly, which is an optoelectricalcable with an end termination that is mated to and allows connection tothe signal port.

Embedded Path Guides

The system of holed plates and support posts, as guides, is ademonstration of the principle that embedded elements can be secured andprecisely directed within a concrete form, prior to pouring theconcrete, using such means. Means of securing and directing conduits iswell known. Therefore, many guides of different design could beenvisioned, sharing the same essential principle. For example, a twopart plastic form may be molded, so that the halves, snap-fit together,over one or more light pipes, solid shapes, electrical wires, etc., inorder to secure them in the desired positions and relationships.

The guides depicted in FIG. 4 a, have support posts which rest on theform bottom. There are alternative arrangements to accomplish the sametask of placing the elements. The tradeoff is ease of manufacture versusquality of the final product. For example, if the guide posts simplyrest on the bottom of the form (when that corresponds to the top of thefinished piece), there will be artifacts visible upon the concretesurface. An improved result can be obtained by suspending the guide(s)from overhead. Using available equipment and well-known principles, sucha device could be constructed to hold the guide(s) within the form at aprecision depth, with reference to the form bottom. In this case, thesignal carrying elements, whose endpoints are intended to be exposedupon the surface of the interface, can extend above the topmost portionof the guide, to avoid portions of the guide showing at the surface. Ifthe terminations (first ends (70 a, 60 a)) rest upon the form bottom,they may be partially covered with concrete during the pouring process.The cured surface can be ground and or polished to expose the buried endpoints.

If this is not desirable, the form bottom can be drilled, routed/cutoutor pre molded to a depth that matches the extent of the protrusions, andin a matching pattern/layout also. The protrusions, therefore, extendinto the cutouts, when the guides are placed within the form. In thisembodiment, no part of the guide touches the form bottom. It may bedesirable to apply a sealant to the edges, (depending on the tightnessof fit, etc) where embedded elements protrude into the openings.

After the mold is removed, the protrusions will be seen sticking up andcan be cut or ground to be flush to the surrounding concrete. Theintended first surface termini can be oriented to the bottom of theform, in which case they approach or abut to the form floor, or extendinto reception areas of the form bottom.

Alternatively, the first ends may be oriented to the top, meaning theconcrete will be filled in the form to the same level, or just below it.Grinding and polishing can then treat the surface, to flatten and smoothall the elements to the same plane.

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b and 5 c illustrate various views of one embodiment of thepresent invention depicting the components and assembly relations of asignal port in a present invention device. These Figures depict thecomponents and assembly relations of a present invention device signalport. Some light pipes (60) to be embedded are seen inserted intomatching holes in guide plate (81). Jack assemblies (81 a) are seen tooccupy the holes in plate (81) so that the faceplate of the jack isapproximately co-planar to the plate.

FIGS. 6 a, 6 b, 6 c and 6 d illustrate components and their connectiverelationships of an alternative embodiment of a present invention signalport, showing a two component circular port plate and collar. Thesefigures depict an alternative design for a signal port guide assembly. Asmaller diameter guide plate inner component (81.x) is holding lightpipe ends (60 b), as shown. A larger ring shaped outer guide platecomponent (81 .y) is seen to contain four female connections around theperimeter. Connection (72) depicts the physical/electrical junction ofthe leads of the jack assembly, with electrical paths to be embedded.The smaller diameter circle inner component inserts into the outer ringcomponent to comprise the total guide plate.

Signal Coupling Ports

The optical and electrical signal paths embedded within the concrete,require a signal source device. A need exists to precisely connect orcouple the input/output of such a device to the embedded paths. Forexample, an external signal source device may provide an LED matrixdisplay. Each LED in the display (or light pipe extensions of same),must optically couple, which is to say, align and abut to correspondingsecond end points (60 b) at the signal port. Or an electricaltermination at the signal port must achieve electrical connection to theI/O access points of the external circuit that processes touch inputsignals.

Using the same principle as the internal guides, a plate with holes (81)(or equivalent mechanism, such as a box with through tunnels), providesa method to precisely hold the end points in place. The hole diameterswill match the parts intended to be inserted.

Numerous methods exist to secure the end points in place, after they areinserted into the guide plate. For example, the plate may be asufficient thickness to provide collar like support, and also provideample wall surface area within the shaft, so that glue may be applied,just before inserting the elements (such as fiber optics).Alternatively, the holes may be threaded to accept additional parts toform an assembly. An electrical jack assembly can be devised, accordingto the many types existing, which is attached to the guide plate,occupying the hole cut for it. Embedded electrical wires are terminatedat second ends, being attached to leads provided by electrical jackassemblies. This junction (72) (FIG. 6) will reside in the solidconcrete.

Jack assemblies and other connector assemblies are well known and comein different sizes, shapes and configurations. Therefore, any type ofelectrical connector assembly may be used in the present inventiondevices. Connector types used with computer ribbon cable, gold contactplates as used in snap in inkjet printer cartridges, RCA, audio jacks,etc. may be used. Similarly, the electrical connection points on eitherside of the connection set may be may be male, female, flat, or bumped.The design only requires that embedded electrical pathways areterminated so as to provide a preferably a non-permanent, and in somecases, a permanent, hook-up means to provide a continuation of theelectrical path to an external circuit device housing the touchdetection circuitry.

The method described is to mechanically make the attachment of embeddedelectrical paths and connection assembly halves, such as supply leads ona jack assembly, and embed this portion of the assembly in the concrete.The physical hookup of the electrical components can be sealed againstmoisture, corrosive effects, etc. Therefore, one half of a connectionassembly, i.e. the male of female portion, is permanently embedded inthe concrete, or at least permanently secured within its guiding means,so as to present the interactive face or part (the part that somethingis plugged into) as a secure surface feature of the signal port face.

The optical second end points (60 b) may extend to be co-planar to theguide plate's exposed surface, or alternatively, the plate may includebuilt in optical windows of any thickness, allowing the ends to beinserted into the plate, to a certain depth, until the end points abutto the windows, aligned in opposition, so that the path of lightcontinues through the window.

The guide plate is positioned to coincide with an exterior surfaceregion of the concrete. The guide plate may abut to a form wall, beingsealed around the edges, (causing the signal port to be flush to theconcrete) or a cutout area in a form wall, matching the dimensions ofthe guide plate, may accept it, acting as a plug in the wall cutout(80). Or more complex procedures that may be easily envisioned.

Many possible methods exist to hold the plate in place within the formwall. It may be glued and sealed to a portion of the form, or a thinnerportion of the plate may overlap the surrounding form wall and screwsmay secure the plate to the form wall. Or it may be held in place byphysical connection to other sections of the internal guide system.

Multiple signal ports may exist for a single interface system. At some,only optical materials may be addressed. Others may be strictlyelectrical, and others are a combination of the two.

Some controllers may provide signal sources for embedded paths. Othersserve to support another controller device, providing or acceptingsignals or power. A concrete body may have multiple coupling ports forcontrollers, so that a network of interconnected controllers may exists.One controller may serve as a hub for the system (as in a client-servermodel) or control may be a distributed across the network. Signalsbetween controllers are typical of electronic devices, including powerand ground and information or commands as encoded pulses.

Signal Source Devices

The embedded signal carriers (signal pipes) of the present inventionconcrete devices are passive. Therefore an external activating device isneeded to supply a source of signal(s), thereby “powering” the embeddedcontrols in the interface. A source of intelligent control is alsoneeded, such as provided by a microprocessor controller or itsequivalent.

In some embodiments, the control device, i.e., the microprocessorcontroller, is seen as a self contained “black box” of powered circuits,and possibly light sources, that attaches, snaps on, etc, to theconcrete, at the region of the signal port. The attachment is generallyand usually non-permanent, so that the box may be easily replaced by theend user without the requirement of a professional service call. In afew instances, such as portable self-contained devices, the connectionmay be permanent. In some embodiments, the controller is not aself-contained device, but is part of and may partially or fully becontained within the external device (appliance) which is ultimatelycontrolled through touch action at the other (first) ends of the signalpipes.

As already described, the signal coupling port provides an area alongthe concrete surface that presents embedded signal carriers as anoptical and/or electrical hookup connection. As part of the process ofattachment, electrical outputs of the controller circuits establishelectrical connection to the designated corresponding second end(s) (70a), now terminated by connector(s) (80). Said connectors on each part(the signal port and the controller) being the mate of the other, as inthe case of male/female plugs.

The connector parts may be rigid elements in relation to the controllerbody, such as mounted pins, or a flexible connector cable may be used,to allow plugging in of the elements to be a physical action,independent of the insertion or attachment of the controller to theconcrete.

Some controllers provide optical sources. This is typically an array ofLED lamps, wherein a microprocessor circuit located within the housingof the controller independently switches each LED. Where a plurality oflamps is required, they are arranged in a matrix. The size and spacingof the matrix elements approximately matches that of its mate portion:the signal port (optical portion). The same applies to the respectivesurfaces of the controller and signal port, so that they form acomplimentary fit when brought together, and align the optical points ofthe signal port with the output points of the controller, therebyproviding a continuous light path from the point of emission, on thecontroller, to the points of optical emission on the interface (50 a).

Having established this arrangement, and having noted or discoveredwhich light sources on the controller, correspond to which emissionpoints on the surface, it is possible to program a microprocessor, suchthat selected points on the surface (50 a) can be illuminated in acontrolled and precise way.

A controller may also provide a video display, such as a backlit LCD,Organic LED, etc. A plurality of controllers may be employed to completea single functional system. Some may provide light sources and touchprocessing circuits. Another may act as a master controller for theothers. Or a controller may be a power supply for another or othercontrollers. If an end device is to be controlled, a controller in thesystem will provide a signal interface to that system. Controllers mayestablish mutual connections via a network of electrical paths embeddedin the concrete, terminated as described, as a series of signal ports.Or wireless means may be used. The power supply may be line ac, battery,solar, etc.

All the electronic and computer related elements of the invention, areaccording to established, well known principles, therefore variationsare to be expected. In many cases, a controller can be placed withoutregard to the distance or reference angle to the embedded interfaceelements. In other cases, it is desirable to place the controllerdirectly under or behind the interface, that is, along the opposingsurface. For example, such would be the case when using fiber opticimage guides or faceplates, coupled to video displays, because of thehigh optical material costs.

In this case, a garage or cutout area may be dimensioned to accept thecontroller, and signal connection means are provided as alreadydescribed. This permits a hidden controller that does not protrudebeyond the plane of the surface.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b depict example control modules for an embeddedinterface. A first controller (90 a) is a plastic box housing circuits,power means, an LED matrix, and male electrical pins in a rigidinstallation to the box. Upon connection to the matched signal port, theLED's will align and abut to embedded light path terminations. A secondcontroller, (90 b) provides an LED row (92 a) and also includes a flatcolor video display (92 b) (which, upon controller attachment, willalign and flatly abut to an embedded image transfer optic such as afiber optic faceplate or image conduit).

Five raised areas, labeled “Q” (91Q), represent a second method of touchinput detection. Immediately below the “Q” raised surfaces, are fieldbased touch detection and processing circuits, such as thosemanufactured by Quantum Research Group, with variations, under the namesQTouch, QMatrix and QSlide (Hamble, UK. Web: www.qprox.com). An embeddedconductive portion acts as an electrode extension for the circuit. Thesensing electrode is embedded at a shallow depth, (in the rough range of1 mm-20 mm), directly below the concrete surface area that is to detecthuman touch. Electrical male pins on the controller, insert into femaleembedded mates, thereby connecting the circuits to the embeddedportions.

The male pins on the controllers are rigid; other connection schemes canbe employed, such as flexible cables and connectors on the controller,or gold contacts pads may be used, or the like, including all suitableelectrical connector pair types.

The principles of capacitive detection and electrode extension usingthis device are fully documented by the manufacturer and available inpublications and the company website.

FIG. 8 depicts an additional example, including a side cut view of arecessed area of a concrete object and a controller. The dotted verticalline indicates that the viewed area is part of a larger item. In thisexample, the controller fits within the recess in the manner of a handand glove. Embedded light pipes (60) terminate and expose first endsupon surface (50 a), second ends (60 b) terminate at top surface ofrecessed area (81 d). (embedded guides not shown for clarity). Embeddedelectrical paths (70) terminate second ends at embedded signal port(80). Embedded paths (red and blue) connect to conductive plate (70 c),which is situated a small distance below surface (50 a). The controllerhousing (90 a) is seen to be a of a complimentary dimension to recess(81 d).

A row of LED's (92 a) protrude from the controller housing top surface.Four gold Input/Output contact pads (91 b) are situated upon panel (99)of the controller, which is at a size, location and angle, that iscomplimentary, relative to signal port (80), having four mated pads also(not shown) (mated: one set may be knobbed, the other flat, etc.). Ametal plate (90 d) is a fixture of the controller housing and providesholes for screws (90 c), which match embedded threaded wells (51).

Upon controller attachment, the topside LED's align to the embeddedoptical path second ends. The gold contact plates are touching mates atthe signal port. Two of the embedded electrical paths are dedicated toan embedded electrode connection for a capacitive touch sense circuit;two others are routed to a next signal port.

Many guide designs may be employed to realize a wide variety of controlsfor embedding.

FIGS. 9 a, 9 b and 9 c depict an example guide for an embeddedalphanumeric display. A series of plates and mounting posts comprises aguide, as earlier described. Glass or other light transmissive hardmaterial is shaped to comprise the segments of the display. Guidetemplate plate (100 a) is cut to fashion a sleeve like pass-through forthe optical segments (61). Plate (100 b) contains segment supportimpressions that exactly match the footprints of segments (61). Plate(100B) also includes a round hole centered to each segment support.

Each segment is optically drilled at the bottom surface to a diametermatching a supplying light pipe. During the assembly process, the lightpipe is passed up through plate (100 b), inserted into hole in plate(61) and secured (such as glued with optical glue). The segments arethen seated in plate (100 b) and can be glued. Guide plate (100 a) isthen placed over the top, so that the segments pass through and extendto a greater height than the plate. Corner holes on each plate allow apost system to be employed to secure the structure at the desiredspacing. Such methods are well known; for example, threaded holes mayaccept threaded post segments, etc. The bottom-most plate serves tosupport light pipes above the form floor. A clip can be used to securethe assembly. The light pipes enter a jacketed portion and terminate toprovide an optical connector. This may represent a signal port, or suchjunctions may occur along the embedded portion of the light path.

In operation, illuminating any single light pipe end at the source, willlight a single segment on the display. Therefore digits 0-9, and alphacharacters can be formed. The same essential principles can be extendedto support and position a variety of optical pieces, including fiberoptics strands of various diameter, image guides and faceplates forvideo sources, light transmissive solid forms, electrical materials suchas wire and plates and the like.

Artistic or symbolic shaped, light transmissive solids may also beembedded within the concrete, so that a single face is exposed at thesurface, being generally flush to it. These may couple to supply lightpipes, or pass through the span to reach a second surface.

Interactive iconic displays may be devised wherein a symbol or group ofsymbols is illuminated in such patterns and or colors to communicateinformation. An example is depicted in FIG. 10. Pictorial opticalembeddments, representing weather elements, are organized in a groupingupon interface surface (50 a).

A region (73) senses the position of a human finger, using capacitivedetection, and therefore acts as a touch slider. Seen just below theregion are embedded metal features (300) to provide a visual scalingaid. In operation, a finger slide will select a date, (shown as “Feb.15, 2009” in optical endpoints), in a function, wherein sliding to oneside moves the date forward by an interval and sliding to the opposingdirection moves the date incrementally back in the same fashion. Anupdated database source, available to the controller, provides weatherforecast and historical data. The data for the selected date isrepresented pictorially by the optical embeddments. For example, on theselected date, the display shows that there will be partial clouds,because optical cloud outline (200) is illuminated, but the other twoare not (201). Precipitation can be motion simulated, using segments(203). Many other effects can be depicted pictorially, for examplesunspot intensity (205), astronomical data such as comets or meteorshowers, lightning forecasts (204), wind, etc.

Additional Methods of Touch Detection:

-   -   A third method of touch detection employs fiber optics. This        method is suitable for wet environments. Single fiber based        systems may function to detect a drop in ambient light by finger        covering by coupling to a photo-detector on the controller. Or a        pair of fibers having close proximity first surface        terminations, may be used: A pulsed light is emitted from the        first; a covering finger, having some translucency and optical        diffusion properties, is able to reflect and transmit the light        so that it is passed down the second fiber, to an optical        circuit that can detect the pulses.    -   A fourth method employs an Active Matrix LCD with Integrated        Optical Touch Screen, developed by Planar Systems, Inc.,        Beaverton, Oreg. In this method the LCD is located on the        controller, which aligns and abuts to an embedded fiber optic        faceplate. The conduit delivers finger shadows to the photo        sensitive LCD via the coupling port. This device also includes a        display.    -   A fifth method employs an embedded Image conduit coupled to a        thermal imaging system on the controller. This allows for an        optical glide pad that can distinguish hot/cold objects, and        recognize hand gestures or fingerprints.

Alternative Embodiment

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an additionalcoupling port is fashioned from first termini upon the first surface.The additional port, occurring on a user-visible/accessible surface ofthe object, can provide an attachment and signal-coupling region forthin devices or thin film devices. The termini may be formed in anymanner that allows a mated electrical connection, but preferably as flatregions or protrusions, such as small metallic gold bumps, or extensionsto end points. That is, non-corrosive end elements with exposed surfacesinstead of the original end terminations; or embedded plug components,wherein the connection lugs are connected to first embedded electricalterminations, within the solid region.

Thin Films as Surface Signal Paths

Films having electrical or electroluminescent properties can bedeposited on the surface by means such as sputtering, modified inkjetprinter (as is used for organic LED display manufacture), or othermeans, to form more or less conductive or semi-conductive orelectroluminescent paths, forming patterns, comprising at least twosignal paths that at least map physical connections to at least twoembedded electrical path first terminations, occurring upon a firstsurface of the concrete, along a coupling region.

The first termini of surface applied film paths are formed to connectionto embedded first electrical termini. The second termini of the filmpaths occur upon the first surface in order to form touch circuitportions, display regions, other active or passive electroniccomponents, including solar cells, to comprise the user interface inwhole or part. The films may be deposited on the surface plane or onraised or lowered regions of it. Additional layers may be added, such asclear or opaque sealant, protective sheets or windows. Ideally, the sumof the layers will equal the depth of the cutout, so that the finalassembly is approximately flush to the concrete surface. However, it mayoccur above, or below it. The films may be of a transparency rangingfrom opaque to clear.

The embedded electrical path second termini are fashioned to comprise asignal coupling port on a second (usually hidden) surface, for acontroller, as previously stated. Therefore, an attached controller isfinally in electrical connection to the applied films. For example, anelectrical conductive film can be applied to the surface in a patternand connection configuration to be an open circuit, when a low voltagepotential is applied by the attached controller. Second film pathtermini are spaced so that a human finger, making contact, will closethe circuit in operation. Therefore, a means of comprising a touch zoneis provided. Alternatively, the paths may form an extended electrode fora capacitive touch circuit located upon the controller; or thecapacitive touch circuit (or any circuit) may be deposited on thesurface. The paths may be covered with a clear or opaque non-conductivesealant, where desired.

It may be desirable to illuminate a touch zone or other area forlabeling or indication. An electroluminescent material may be depositedwith other layers—following the principles of EL lamp construction—tocomprise an electrically lightable defined region. This may form a ringor shape to circumscribe the touch zone and/or include fixed patterns oftext, images or alpha characters. At the boundary of the intendedlightable area, the layer constitution may change to comprise electricalpaths only, which function as supply leads for the lightable area, orthe lightable area may continue on, being covered with an opaque layerto mask the desired portions.

More sophisticated similar methods may be applied to deposit graphicalvideo display regions on the surface. Such displays have already beenapplied to materials, via inkjet printers, by Cambridge DisplayTechnology (CDT, Cambridge, UK). Current displays usually require acable for display data and power. The cable generally requires a housingto be practical in a product. The display also generally requires aprotective or supporting structure or housing. The current inventionprovides a method to furnish a more durable housing than presentmethods. One or more controllers provide the activating power anddisplay instructions for the films, and optionally touch input detectionand processing circuits, accessed via the exposed matrix of embeddedelectrical termini.

A concrete thin film control interface facilitates permanent applianceinstallations. For example, an ATM body may be a cast concrete objectwith embedded electrical paths forming termini upon the first (front)surface to provide signal coupling means for applied films, andproviding a coupling port(s) at the back for a controller(s). The touchkeypad portions, video display, fixed text and images can be applied ascomplex film layers. When the life cycle of the film paths has beenreached (for example, the limited life of EL materials), it may beremoved by scrubbing, grinding, polishing, solvents, etc. A new filmsystem may then be re-applied. In this way, a minimum of materials iswasted and the major body remains a functional, permanent installation.Logic processing, data, and other administrative resources are locatedaway from the interface, on the controller or accessible by thecontroller, upon a hidden, end-user inaccessible face, which assists tosecure content and protect equipment.

FIG. 11 depicts a concrete body with a matrix of embedded path termini(70 a) on the first surface and cutout sections (500) to allow for theaddition of installed mechanical components, such as document eating, ordollar feeding devices or card readers. Electrical films may bedeposited on the surface and form connection to termini (60 a). Theterminations are preferably non-corrosive material such as silver orgold. Alternatively, they may be coated. Other cutouts (501) are createdfor use by a customized component printer as mounting posts, providing ameans to establish a known, absolute origin for the device in referenceto the surface terrain.

First Surface Coupling Ports for Thin Devices

As an alternative to first surface end termini for direct filmdeposition, first surface coupling ports include a connection means andsecuring means for thin devices to attach, such as entertainment,informational or appliance control devices. The port may include insetjacks or plugs or any connection or securing method described for thefirst embodiment.

Super thin display devices, such as organic LED, have been manufacturedon flexible plastic and glass. Printed electronics is also a growingfield. Media and control devices may be manufactured as very thindevices, intended to connect to a concrete surface that provides signalconnection to at least a second attached device.

Depending on the embodiment, the device may be very thin or somewhatthicker. The device may include display elements, touch controls, or anyelements required for computer function. The device may be manufacturedas a rigid or flexible sheet or tabular shaped object.

Useful materials may include flat displays, such as LCD, organic LED,opaque or transparent; protective rigid or flexible windows, such asfiber optic faceplates or plastic or glass sheets; housing and supportmaterial such as plastic, metal or thin cast material; film depositedlayers (as previously detailed), circuit layers such as surface mountdevices or printed electronic circuits, including input detectioncircuits, labels, coatings, mounted electrical pins or contacts.Mounting parts may include eyelets for screws or pins or magneticlayers, and electrical jack pins or recesses.

Physical connection means are provided. The thin device is preferablylaid into an inset region of the first surface that includes one or morecoupling ports. Ideally, the inset region is a depth to match thedevice, so that it will be flush to the surface. Small screws, pins orthe like may be used to secure the device in the well, passing throughholes or threaded portions of the device body, into embedded femalemates or vice versa. Holes for screws can be positioned on the device oron tab extensions, to lie below the plane of the major surface when thedevice is installed. A locking means may be devised, by employingattachment screws accessed from an end-user-hidden surface, such as theback. Alternatively, an electronic lock method can be employed, whereinpins or extensions of the device, insert into a concrete embeddedreceiver, wherein a servo motor, electromagnet or mechanical means,secure the device extension in place. Alternatively, a custom screw headmay be used. A grout or concrete slurry or other sealer may then fillthe wells. The device may be sized to leave a gap around the edges, whenattached to the inset coupling region. Therefore, a grout, slurry orsealant can be applied in order to produce a seamless, but serviceablesurface. The screw head threads may be covered or sealed with wax or thelike, before grouting. A precision depth routing device can remove thematerial in future, and the screw will be still functional.Alternatively, the assembly may be secured by complementary magneticsections on each part. Alternatively, the assembly may be secured byphysical tension. A precision routing operation can be used to removejoint filler or grout lines, so that the assembly may be serviced.

The inset surface area may be a simple enclosure, or contain multipleclosed loops. Likewise, the associated thin device may contain closeloop cutouts intended to encompass protruding concrete profiles, in acollar fashion, to form a flush final surface. For example, a flat,rigid or flexible electronic component sheet has holes or cutouts,wherein each surrounds concrete protrusions lying on the same plane whenthe sheet is laid in place. The signal coupling port(s), in thisexample, lie at the bottom or sides of an embossment of the concretesurface that is the complimentary match to the component sheet. Thesheet provides signal connection means at the required locations.

Means are included to form electrical connections to the concreteembedded paths. The device may include rigid male pins that insert intofemale embedded mates at the signal coupling area or any known connectortype that uses a mate may be used.

FIG. 12 a depicts a concrete object (50), having a shallow recessedcutout or inset area upon the top surface. At the floor of the recessare embedded female plugs (81 a). A thin device (400) includes rigidmale pins (91 a), mounted at 90 degrees to the major surface plane ofthe device and also matching the female plugs at the bottom of the insetregion (52). An organic LED transparent organic LED video display (402)is covered by a transparent fiber optic faceplate (403) of theapproximate same surface area. Both are supported at the sides bystructural plate (404). A cast portion (405) employs ultra-highperformance cements to form a thin, concrete touch button surface withilluminated rings as indicators.

FIG. 12 b depicts a zoomed view of the male and female connectors

In another variation of the present invention, one or more touch regionsare arranged to assist precise placement of human appendages such ashands, fingers and feet, so that they can comfortably remain in steadycontact for a testing period. For example, an approximate hand shape maybe embossed upon the concrete first surface and present first termini atthe approximate positions corresponding to the finger pads.Alternatively, the arrangement may occur upon a flat surface.Alternatively, there may be less than five contact points.Alternatively, termini may occur upon a floor surface for human feet orupon a slab (i.e. as a bed).

The arrangement is at least useful as an instrument of research for thefields of Biofeedback and Electro-medicine. For example, a controllerattached to a signal port may include circuits to analyze humanresponses to changes introduced to the touch circuit electricalstream(s). Minute changes in resistance, capacitance, inductance, andany other parameter may be noted and logged many times per second.

The contacts may also occur near a drinking fountain or sink. A systemmay be devised wherein the user places a finger or hand onto the testarea during the period of water flow (or a longer period), or in orderto cause the flow. The analyzed data may be used by an intelligentsystem to select just-in-time treatment of the water prior to spigotexit, by exposure to selected optical or electromagnetic frequencies fordiscrete periods.

A further modification provides for embedded optical first termini tocomprise the test pads. For example, a human finger may be coloranalyzed or fingerprints may be scanned when touching an embedded imageconduit(s). Additionally, properties such as reflectance andtranslucence may be measured. For translucence and other tests, it maybe desirable for an optical first termini pair to occur side by side,wherein one emits a pulse and the other detects the leakage through thefinger from the first pulse. Alternatively, optical termini may comprisepart of a bio-photon research device that seeks to measure lightemissions emanating from the human body. Alternatively, an object, suchas a food article may be placed on a designated test region for opticalanalysis.

The contacts may also occur on a cast handle, such as a refrigeratordoor handle grip. Measurements may be taken to note electrical oroptical changes, if any, that occur when a human user is holding aparticular food item in the other hand.

The invention may be practiced as a combination of any of the methods orvariations disclosed herein.

Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understoodthat within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may bepracticed otherwise than as specifically described herein

1. A concrete microprocessor control device, which comprises: d) apreshaped item of concrete having a plurality of surfaces in differentplanes; e) at least one embedded signal pipe being embedded in saidpreshaped item of concrete and having a first terminus located proximatea first surface of said plurality of surfaces and having a secondterminus located away from said first terminus and adjacent a secondsurface of said plurality of surfaces, said at least one embedded signalpipe being selected from the group consisting of touch sensitivefunctional optical pipe, touch sensitive functional electrical pipe andcombinations thereof; f) at least one coupling port connected to saidsecond terminus of at least one of said at least one embedded signalpipe, said coupling port adapted to connect to a microprocessorcontroller having touch sensitive detection and processing means andhaving signal interfacing means for operating at least one appliance. 3.The device of claim 1 wherein said first terminus is in the same planeas and flush with said first surface.
 4. The device of claim 1 whereinsaid first terminus is located proximate to and below said firstsurface.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein said first terminus is locatedproximate to and above said first surface.
 6. The device of claim 1wherein said at least one embedded signal pipe is an optical pipeselected from the group consisting of an optical fiber, a glass, atransparent cement, a transparent ceramic, a plastic, a transparentmetal, a fiber optic image guide, a fiber optic faceplate, a hollowlight guide, a natural gemstone and a manmade gemstone.
 7. The device ofclaim 1 wherein said at least one embedded signal pipe is an electricalpipe selected from the group consisting of a wire, a coated wire, ashielded wire, said shielded wire having either active or passiveshielding, a jacketed group of wires, and plates or sheets of conductiveor semiconductive material, or of non-conductive material coated with aconductive or semiconductive layer or layers.
 8. The device of claim 1wherein there are a plurality of embedded signal pipes.
 9. The device ofclaim 8 wherein the first termini of said plurality of embedded signalpipes are arranged in an intelligent pattern.
 10. The device of claim 9wherein said first termini are arranged in a predetermined pattern toprovide for display at least one linear pattern illustration of a uselevel.
 11. The device of claim 9 wherein said first termini are arrangedin a matrix to provide for display character representations of alpha ornumeric characters.
 12. The device of claim 9 wherein said deviceincludes an embedded template and said second termini are positionedwithin said template to fix their positions.
 13. The device of claim 12wherein said template includes a plurality of template collars adaptedto receive and hold said second termini.
 14. The device of claim 13wherein said template collars are prefilled with plug components tocreate said at least one coupling port.
 15. The device of claim 12wherein said embedded template includes physical connection means forremovably or permanently connecting and attaching a microprocessorthereto.
 16. The device of claim 1 wherein said device further providesat least one video display image conduit created from a plurality ofsaid signal pipes embedded in a surface of said concrete.
 17. The deviceof claim 1 wherein said at least one embedded signal pipe secondterminus is functionally connected to an LED.
 18. The device of claim 17wherein there is a plurality of embedded signal pipes with their secondtermini functionally connected to LEDs.
 19. The device of claim 18wherein the first termini of said plurality of embedded signal pipes isarranged in an intelligent pattern.
 20. The device of claim 1 whereinsaid at least one embedded signal pipe is adapted to at least present asignal from said microprocessor or adapted to send a signal to saidmicroprocessor.
 21. The device of claim 1 wherein said at least oneembedded signal pipe is connected to at least one embedded functionalcomponent located between a first terminus and a second terminus, saidfunctional component being at least partially embedded in said concreteand being selected from the group consisting of an electrical component,an electronic component, an optical component, a junction and a light.22. The device of claim 1 wherein said device further includes at leastone functional component that is connected to said at least one embeddedsignal pipe, said functional component being selected from the groupconsisting of an electrical component, an electronic component, anoptical component, a junction and a light.
 23. The device of claim 1wherein said device further includes at least one microprocessor fullyembedded in said concrete and connected to at least one embedded signalpipe.
 24. The device of claim 1 wherein said device further includes atleast one microprocessor partially embedded in said concrete andconnected to at least one embedded signal pipe.
 25. The device of claim1 wherein said device further includes at least one microprocessorpartially embedded in said concrete and connected to said at least onecoupling port.
 26. The device of claim 1 wherein said device furtherincludes at least one microprocessor connected to at least one couplingport.
 27. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of said at leastone embedded signal pipe is directly or indirectly connected to anappliance.
 28. The device of claim 27 wherein said appliance is selectedfrom the group consisting of a timer, a clock, a stove, an oven and amicrowave appliance.
 29. The device of claim 27 wherein said applianceis selected from the group consisting of a radio, a television, acomputer and a telecommunications device.
 30. The device of claim 1wherein a first terminus is adapted to illuminate and presents lightfrom a remote electric or electronic light source connected directly orindirectly thereto.
 31. The device of claim 1 wherein said at least oneembedded signal pipe is connected to a speaker.
 32. The device of claim1 wherein there are at least two embedded signal pipes and at least ofone said at least two embedded signal pipes is connected for and adaptedto send a signal to a controller and at least one other of said at leasttwo embedded and at least one other of said at least two embedded signalpipes is connected for and adapted to receive and present a signalinitiated by a microprocessor.
 33. The device of claim 32 wherein saidsignal initiated by a microprocessor is selected from the groupconsisting of light, sound, heat, and electrical.
 34. The device ofclaim 1 wherein at least one signal pipe is adapted to carry a powersource.
 35. The device of claim 32 wherein said device further includesa touch controller, a system controller, an optical controller and atleast one external appliance; and at least one embedded signal pipesending a signal to a controller is connected to said touch controllerand said at least one embedded signal pipe receiving a signal from acontroller is connected to said optical controller, and said touchcontroller and said optical controller are connected to said systemcontroller, and said system controller is connected to said at least oneexternal appliance.
 36. The device of claim 35 wherein said externalappliance is selected from the group consisting of a householdappliance, an entertainment appliance, a communications appliance and acomputer.
 37. The device of claim 1 wherein said concrete is selectedfrom the group consisting of standard concrete, polymer-enhancedconcrete, engineered stone and composite stone.
 38. The device of claim37 wherein said concrete is preshaped into a shape having at least oneflat surface and at least one said first terminus is located on said atleast one flat surface.
 39. The device of claim 38 wherein said shape isselected from the group consisting of at least a portion of an appliancebody, a countertop, a wall panel, a wall-hanging unit and a portabledevice.
 40. The device of claim 1 wherein said at least one embeddedsignal pipe is electrical pipe that is adapted to transmit electricalsignals selected from the group consisting of touch circuit portions,data streams, command streams, power sources and power grounds.
 41. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein at least one coupling port is located upon orapproximate to the surface of the interface and adapted to allowconnection by a connection means selected from the group consisting ofsurface deposited, removable, electrically active films,electroluminescent films, and wafer or tabular shaped removable deviceshaving device at least one of operational and content display controls.